Benefits to the Community
The proposed redevelopment of the Hess site will allow the borough to reclaim a piece of vacant waterfront property that was used for heavy industrial work for many decades and put it to productive use. Our plan will not only give residents more recreational opportunities – including greater access to the waterfront - but will also provide a substantial amount of tax revenue to the borough and could provide substantial tax relief to homeowners.
615 River Road Partners’ plan features construction of an incredible world-class, mixed-use development that will make Edgewater more affordable and more enjoyable. The River Road project will provide many amenities that will benefit all Edgewater residents. Among them are:
- Construction of a first-class, mixed-use mid-rise housing complex that will reclaim an abandoned industrial site and provide public access to the waterfront for the first time in over 100 years.
- The project will feature state-of-the-art buildings ranging that were designed by the internationally renowned firm of FX Fowle of New York. The waterfront project includes approximately 1,200 living units, that will be ideal for young professional looking for their first apartment and an easy commute to Manhattan. The studio and one-bedroom units will minimize the school age population at the site.
- 615 River Road Partners’ proposal is in accordance with many other residential developments in the borough that have received variance approvals from the Borough Zoning Board in the recent past.
- The 615 River Road project includes up to 20,000 square feet of retail space suitable for restaurants and shops that will provide all residents with new and exciting entertainment experiences on the waterfront.
- The planned redevelopment situates the buildings in a manner that preserves a visual corridor from River Road to the Hudson River and New York City skyline.
Tax Revenue & Jobs
- When completed, the development will generate millions of dollars in annual tax revenue for the borough, and turn a vacant industrial property into an income and job producing showcase. The tax revenue derived from the new development will help offset the escalation in property taxes in Edgewater that have climbed from an average of $6,782 per household in 2012 to $9,018 per household in 2018.
- The project will provide thousands of construction jobs and many permanent jobs for businesses and personnel needed to service the complex.
A Public Park and Waterfront Access
- 615 River Road Partners proposes to construct a public park on the eastern portion of the site parcels of the site. The park, dubbed Edgewater Green, will be a lavishly landscaped, multi-acre park accessible to all borough residents. Edgewater Green will include lawn areas, trees, shrubbery and flowers.
- Recognizing how important waterfront recreational access is to the Edgewater community, 615 River Road Partners is dedicated to enhancing access to the Hudson River waterfront by constructing a public walkway that will connect with existing sections of the riverfront promenade. Space for cafes and restaurants will be constructed along the shoreline. Additionally, amphitheater seating will be built directly on the Hudson River so that Edgewater residents can enjoy sweeping vistas of the New York City skyline.
- The development will include ample public parking for those who visit the park or any of the shops and restaurants
Easing School Overcrowding
615 River Road Partners shall donate to the borough the ENTIRE Western Portion of the property -- nearly 5 acres -- where a much-needed new school for Edgewater’s children is anticipated to be built.
Transportation & Traffic Improvements
- 615 River Road Partners proposes to construct, a bus “super stop” for NJ Transit and other bus companies that will create loading lanes for both north and south bound buses along River Road. The loading zones would allow buses to pick up and discharge passengers without stopping traffic on River Road. The bus super stops will help alleviate traffic along Edgewater’s main thoroughfare. The bus super stop was recommended in a regional transportation study for the Bergen County and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
- To improve public safety, the new bus super stops will be linked by a pedestrian bridge over River Road that will allow pedestrians to safely access both sides of River Road.
- The 615 River Road plan also includes construction of a new ferry stop on site that would include upgrading the existing pier for use as a ferry access location. The plan also calls for constructing a covered passenger waiting facility and a parking area for ferry passengers. The current waterfront site has a small parking area that is primarily used for boat storage.